Carmen LI

International Foundation YearBachelor of Media & Communication

Hi I am Carmen, I graduated with a Bachelor Degree in media and communication at the University of Sussex. To be honest, studying aboard was not my first choice. It’s hard to say goodbye to my family and friends, worrying about all the unknown and leaving the comfort zone were terrified. After a long talk with Joshua from AAC about my future path, I finally made my decision to take an International foundation year from Study Group at University of Sussex. The foundation programme allows me to transfer back to Sussex’s media and communication year 1 and complete my Bachelor Degree.

These 4 years of studying in the UK have been the best time of my life. It is challenging to organize and manage things on your own, but it makes me become truly independent. University life is all about independence, you need to prepare for the next seminar by attending to lectures and doing readings. No one will remind you what to do next and all depends on yourself. Besides, talking to students that from different nationality will change the way that you think, becoming a diverse thinker. Lessons change to more likely a discussion space for people to develop different point of views and argument, which will make you think more and in multi-perspective. Talk more! Don’t be afraid to speak up or ask for help, I am sure they will listen to you.

Apart from academics, studying in the UK has a great opportunity to travel around not only in England but the whole Europe. Imagine it only takes a 2 hours train from London to Paris, how convenient it is. You can go skiing in Norway during the Winter, seeing the aurora borealis in Iceland or even visiting different museums in Paris (it is free for EU students). Go on an adventure to uncover the history and experience the culture in Europe.

Work Hard, Play Hard! You will miss the university life once you come back to Hong Kong!